Parade Dazzles the Nation and the World

Under clear blue postcard skies and the opening roar of a squadron of US Air Force Thunderbird jets who traversed the parade length of Colorado Boulevard in less than a minute, the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade once again dazzled the nation. As most of the country sat under cold, cloudy winter skies, Pasadena once again wore its favorite shade of blue.

Ninety-one entries from all over the country participated in the parade, from Pasadena City College to Nagoya, Japan’s band entry. The floats themselves ranged from the glittery disco fireworks of KC and the Sunshine Band on the “Stella-brate” float from the San Antonio Winery, to a live wedding on the AIDS Foundation entry.

A host of dancing babies did their best to steal the show on the Kaiser Foundation float, and three space rovers rolled out of the Public Storage float to “explore” the earth’s surface. The hit TV show, “The Voice” featured live singing contestants, along with a full dance troupe.

The Michigan State Spartan Band was precision in motion, all tight corners and straight lines, while the renowned Stanford Band was chaos and calamity to a T. Where the Spartans and most bands marched in rigid rows to spots and formations, Stanford band members simply scampered and jumped to some semblance of order while blaring the Zombies’ 60s hit, “She’s Not There.” Michigan State fans, however, far overwhelmed the number of Stanford fans on hand for the parade, if the number of sweatshirts was any indication.

For Doris Huang, 27, a Michigan State alumnus now working in Monrovia, it was a chance to catch up with old college friends. â€œI donâ€™t have to travel to the reunion this summer,â€ she laughed. â€œThey all came here.â€

Stanford dad Gregory Jimenez, 47, sat in the packed bleachers alone, as his two daughters, Ashley and Allison, headed for the Rose Bowl. â€œThey wanted to tailgate with their friends.â€ said Jimenez.

Western Assets Management Company took home the Past Presidents trophy with its entry, “So Close, yet Safari Away.”

The Sweepstakes trophy was won by Dole’s “Safari at the Oasis,” while the entry from Glendale took home the Governor’s Trophy. For a full list of winners, click here.